Published online Mar 26, 2021. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v13.i3.46
Peer-review started: June 8, 2020
First decision: October 21, 2020
Revised: January 13, 2021
Accepted: March 8, 2021
Article in press: March 8, 2021
Published online: March 26, 2021
Processing time: 283 Days and 3.6 Hours
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy with defibrillators (CRT-D) reduce mortality in certain cardiac patient populations. However, inappropriate shocks pose a problem, having both adverse physical and psychological effects on the patient. The advances in device technology now allow remote monitoring (RM) of devices to replace clinic follow up appointments. This allows real time data to be analysed and actioned and this may improve patient care.
This is because inappropriate shocks and delayed assessment can lead to morbidity and reduced quality of life for patients.
The primary objective was to determine if RM in patients with an ICD is associated with fewer inappropriate shocks and reduced time to medical assessment.
This was a single centre, retrospective observational study, involving 156 patients implanted with an ICD or CRT-D, followed up for 2 years post implant. Both appropriate and inappropriate shocks were recorded along with cause for inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment.
RM was associated with fewer inappropriate shocks (13.6% clinic vs 3.9% RM; P = 0.030) and a reduced time to medical assessment (15.1 ± 6.8 vs 1.0 ± 0.0 d; P < 0.001).
RM in patients with an ICD is associated with both improved patient outcomes.
The role of RM in other areas should be investigated.